A commercial semi can weigh anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 pounds. When that kind of weight is barreling down the highway at 70 mph, it can create a catastrophic impact if it strikes another vehicle.
If you were involved in a truck accident, you probably have a long list of expenses. You may be wondering how you will pay for your medical care, recover lost wages, repair your vehicle damage, and make up for the pain and suffering you have experienced.
In some cases, you may be able to sue the at-fault truck driver’s employer, the driver, another third party, or all the above. The first step in any truck accident lawsuit is determining who is liable for the accident.
Read ahead to learn more about how to determine whether you can sue the driver’s employer for a truck accident in Connecticut or contact our experienced legal team at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers for a consultation.
Factors Affecting Whether You Can Sue the Truck Driver’s Employer
The person or party you should sue following a truck accident depends on who is liable for the driver’s actions and who was responsible for the accident. Let’s discuss both factors and how they relate to the truck accident lawsuit process.
Who Is Liable: The Driver, the Trucking Company, or Someone Else?
Just because a truck caused an accident does not mean that the driver is liable for the accident. Sometimes, liability may instead fall on the:
● Trucking company for employing an unsafe driver
● Truck owner for failing to inspect and maintain the truck
● Truck manufacturer for installing defective equipment in the truck
● Parts manufacturer for producing a faulty truck part
● Cargo loader for improperly loading supplies into their truck
Often, liability falls on a combination of several of these entities. A truck accident lawyer can help you pinpoint liability in your accident and ensure that the court holds the correct party responsible.
Who Is At Fault: The Driver, You, or Both?
Connecticut is a modified comparative negligence state, meaning partial fault can be assigned to both parties in an accident rather than placing the blame entirely on one party.
If you are in an accident involving a commercial truck, the truck company will do everything possible to reduce its liability and payout. Unfortunately, as a result, the trucking company’s insurance provider will likely nitpick the details of the accident and attempt to place any blame on you that it can.
If the insurance company determines you were partially at fault, you may not be able to receive as much compensation in a lawsuit. An attorney can help you present an accurate depiction of fault to the insurance company and judge to secure adequate compensation following your accident.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Pursuing legal action after a truck accident can be complicated and overwhelming. Trucking companies often have significant resources and legal assistance on their sides to defend them in accident suits, making it challenging to win on your own.
One way to improve your chances of securing compensation from the at-fault driver is to hire a knowledgeable, competent truck accident attorney to represent you. An attorney can help you determine liability, gather evidence to support your case, navigate the legal process, and represent you in court.
If you’re looking for a dedicated attorney to represent you in a truck accident lawsuit in Connecticut, we can help. Contact our experienced truck accident attorneys for a free consultation today.